§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many medical examinations have taken place of prisoners on protest in the H blocks since 6 September 1976; whether serious medical conditions are treated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsIt is not practicable, without disproportionate expense, to say how many medical examinations have taken place.
The full range of medical facilities is available to the protesting prisoners, with daily sick parades and a medical officer and prison hospital officers available day and night. A medical officer visits the cells at least once a week to 342W monitor and observe the internal conditions, personal hygiene standards and inmates' health, so far as this is practicable.
It is, however, part of the protest campaign that these prisoners do not in general co-operate with prison officers or clinical staff. It is clearly not possible to maintain the same standards of care for prisoners who reject it as for the majority who co-operate in measures designed for their own welfare.
As to medical treatment, if individual prisoners cause an unacceptable health hazard to other inmates, staff or the community, such measures as may be necessary will be taken to counter the risk. But it is not the practice, or the intention, to force medical care upon any prisoner for his own individual benefit. This accords with the ethical and legal position in the general community, where measures to protect the individual's health are not forced on him against his will, but public health legislation provides for compulsory examination and isolation in the case of an infectious disease hazard.